FERTILIZERS. 553 



and fertilizers and of leguminous plants on the progress of nitrification in the soil, as 

 well as the influence of different kinds of fallow and methods of cropping and fer- 

 tilizing on the fertility of the soil. 



In connection with the latter studies the relation hetween the phosphoric acid 

 content of the plants and the assimilable phosphoric acid of the soil was investigated 

 with results which lead to the conclusion that the amount of phosphoric acid taken 

 up by plants is an index of the quantity available in the soil. Tests of various acid 

 solvents (0.5, 1, and 2 per cent citric acid, 1 and 2 per cent nitric acid, and 2 per 

 cent acetic acid) for this purpose have been undertaken. 



On some soil bacteria and their importance in agriculture, J. Hohl (Ann. 

 Agr. Suisse, 5 (1904), No. 6, pp. 201-228). — This is a summary of the more important 

 results of the work of various investigators on this subject, with numerous references 

 to literature. 



Investigations in soil bacteriology and their practical importance, A. Koch 

 (Milt. Oekon. Gesell. Saclisen, 1903-4, pp. 15-34)- — A general discussion of this subject. 



FERTILIZERS. 



The action of barnyard manure, W. Schneidewind et al. (Ber. Versuchsw. Lauch- 

 stddt, 1904, P- 5; abs. in Chem. Ztg., 28 (1904), No. 67, Reperl. No. 19, p. 230).-— Experi- 

 ments on a rotation of beets, barley, potatoes, and wheat with deep-stall and yard 

 manure are reported. The former was more effective than the latter in increasing the 

 yield, but also reduced the sugar content of beets to a greater extent. The manures 

 were more effective without addition of nitrate. 



The preservation of barnyard manure, W. Schneidewind et al. (Ber. Ver- 

 suchsw. Lauchstadt, 1904, p. 26; abs. in Chem. Ztg., 28 (1904), No. 67, Repert. No. 19, p. 

 230). — Comparative tests of gypsum, calcium carbonate, and Rippert's preparation 

 (containing fluorin and sulphuric acid), the two former on loose and compact manure, 

 are reported. None of the preparations except gypsum proved more effective than 

 close packing of the manure. 



On the question of manure preservation, W. Schneidewind (Deut. Landio. 

 Presse, 31 (1904), No. 73, pp. 625, 626). — This article discusses briefly the nature, 

 causes, and extent of losses which occur in manures handled in the us,ual way and 

 treated with preservatives. 



The safe handling and disinfection of fertilizers from slaughterhouses and 

 cattle barns, R. Schmidt (Arch. Wiss. u. Prakt. Thierh., 30 (1904), No. 6; abs. in 

 Ztschr. Fleiseh u. Milchlujg., 15 (1904), No. 2, p. 45). — A compilation of information 

 regarding various methods of treating disease-infected material. 



Cotton-seed meal industry (Amer. Fert., 21 (1904), No. 5, pp. 12-16).— An 

 account is given of the growth of the use of cotton-seed meal as a fertilizer and the 

 methods of manipulating cotton seed in the factories are briefly described. 



Experiments -with lime nitrogen in comparison with nitrate and ammonia 

 nitrogen, Wein et al. (Chem. Ztg., 28 (1904), No. 79, p. 940). — In a report pre- 

 sented to the section of agricultural chemistry and investigation of the German 

 Society of Naturalists and Physicians, it was pointed out that lime nitrogen gives 

 results very closely approaching those obtained with nitrate and ammonia nitrogen 

 when the following precautions are observed': 



(1) It should be applied about 14 days before planting in order that the germina- 

 tion of the seed may not be injuriously affected; (2) it should be used in moderate 

 applications, not more than 3kg. per morgen (about 11 lbs. of nitrogen (?) per acre); 

 (3) it should not be applied as a top-dressing, since when so applied it may prove 

 injurious to tender plants, and it should not be used on upland moor soils; (4) on 

 lowland moor soils, especially on garden plants, it is fully as effective as ammonia 

 nitrogen and nearly as effective as nitrate nitrogen. 



